Rugby-Sanchez, Montero deemed unfit, miss Australia test

LONDON Oct 7 Flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez and wing Manuel Montero have failed late fitness tests and will miss Argentina's Rugby Championship test against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

The match, a rerun of the teams' 2015 World Cup semi-final won by the Wallabies a year ago, is the southern hemisphere tournament's closing match with both sides looking to avoid the wooden spoon.

Sanchez (twisted ankle) and Montero (pulled thigh muscle) were both named in coach Daniel Hourcade's team on Thursday with the proviso they passed Friday's fitness tests.

Having failed, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias moves to flyhalf with Jeronimo de la Fuente slotting in at inside centre while Ramiro Moyano takes Montero's place on the right wing, the Argentine Rugby Union announced.

Gabriel Azcarate and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino take the two vacant places on the bench.

"It's been an atypical training week because of all the fatigue and injuries we've been carrying," hooker Agustin Creevy told reporters at the Captain's Run.

"We couldn't practise much (physical) contact but we have worked on our heads and (to correct) the things we've been doing badly."

Argentina, bottom of the standings with five points, are looking for their second win of the tournament after beating South Africa at home.

The Pumas lost 36-20 to Australia and 36-17 to champions New Zealand in their last two matches.

The Wallabies, who lost 18-10 in South Africa last weekend, have four more points than Argentina and are one behind the Springboks, who host the All Blacks on Saturday.

WELLINGTON, Dec 9 One test All Blacks lock James Broadhurst is still suffering from symptoms of concussion after 15 months out of rugby and is to step away from the Wellington Hurricanes to continue his rehabilitation, the team said on Friday.

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